Thermal Reaction of Alkyl Acetates with Iodides of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals

Abstract

Thermal reactions of alkyl acetates (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, and heptyl) with iodides of alkali and alkaline earth metals at various reaction temperatures were carried out. The reactions resulted in the formation of alkyl iodides and metal salts of acetic acid.The formation of methyl iodide was easier than that in the case methyl oleate previously reported. The maximum yields of methyl iodide in the reactions with lithium, calcium, and strontium iodides were as follows : lithium iodide 95%, calcium iodide 91%, strontium iodide 91%. Moreover, the yields of alkyl iodides from alkyl acetates were poor except methyl iodide.